to the German edition
Investment volume still far too low to achieve energy transition targets: Even if the expansion of renewable energies in Germany makes progress, the German energy industry will have to invest around 1.2 trillion euros in the energy transition by 2035, with around 721 billion euros required by 2030. These funds are to be invested primarily in green power generation plants, transport grids and storage facilities in order to drive forward the energy transition. A large proportion of the investments will be made by private companies. The energy transition is seen as a potential growth driver for Germany, but challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers and the optimisation of grid expansion and congestion management remain. heise.de , pv-magazine.de,
G7 agree on water coalition and want to phase out coal: At their ministerial meeting in Italy, the G7 nations committed to stepping up global climate action, including phasing out coal-fired power generation by the mid-2030s, and expressed deep concern about the gap between necessary and current emissions reductions. They recognise the role of nuclear energy as a possible alternative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but leave the decision to individual countries. They also founded a „water coalition“ to combat the global water crisis and support a UN agreement against plastic waste, emphasising the particular responsibility of industrialised countries. zeit.de , watson.de
Around one in five people in Germany
According to a recent survey conducted by PwC in 31 countries, 19.8 per cent of Germans and 28 per cent of international respondents are concerned about climate change on a daily basis. In Germany, a total of 60 per cent are generally concerned about the climate crisis, but do not think about it regularly, compared to the international average of 57 per cent. Nineteen per cent of Germans and 14 per cent internationally are unconcerned.
How EU environmental protection jeopardises small farmers and makes coffee more expensive: The planned EU regulation to ensure „deforestation-free supply chains“ is causing a stir as it obliges importers to prove that their products do not come from deforested areas. This regulation affects a wide range of products, including coffee. However, the regulations have met with resistance from coffee-producing countries, which see them as „regulatory imperialism“ and unfair. Small farmers, who make up the majority of the world’s coffee bean production, are particularly affected by the new regulations. As they often work on small plots of land and may not have the necessary detection methods, their livelihoods could be threatened. This could lead to the EU becoming less attractive for coffee exporters, while efforts to sell more coffee to emerging markets such as China and India instead increase. wiwo.de
Eco-funds – sustainable or profitable: Investing according to ESG criteria is promoted by the EU, but the investments often do not fulfil expectations. However, these approaches do not fulfil their promises. Strict ESG funds are now even experiencing outflows. Many investors prioritise returns over sustainability. In addition, ESG ratings are inconsistent, which calls their reliability into question. Some financial experts even doubt the sense of sustainable investments, as they could have little influence on the behaviour of companies. welt.de
Only one in five banks has reduced its exposure to coal: Still coal with coal. This is according to a study by the NGO Urgewald „Still Banking on Coal“, which criticises the high level of involvement of global banks in the coal industry: out of 638 institutions surveyed, only 140 have reduced their financial activities since 2016, while 75 institutions have even increased their involvement. German banks provided around 3.5 billion US dollars to coal companies between 2021 and 2023, with Deutsche Bank leading the way with around half of this amount, particularly through a large loan for the South African company Eskom. Despite the comparatively small share of global financing, Europe’s role model function contributes to the image of commitment. handelsblatt.com
Forests in danger: A study warns that a third to half of European tree species may not be able to withstand future climate conditions. Prolonged droughts, heat, more frequent forest fires and pests such as the bark beetle pose a massive threat to European forests. The research, which analysed almost 240,000 locations and 69 tree species, shows that the diversity of tree species could decline sharply regionally depending on the emissions scenario, which calls existing reforestation measures into question. To combat the climate crisis, the German government has now decided to invest 130 million euros in the sustainable development and adaptation of forests. fair-economics.de
BOOK TIP OF THE WEEK:
Wirtschaftswende
A comparison of transformation approaches and new economic concepts
Hans Holzinger’s work ‚Wirtschaftswende: Transformationsansätze und neue ökonomische Konzepte im Vergleich‘ offers a profound insight into the much-needed transformation of our economy and way of life. With a clear and fearless voice, Holzinger calls for us to overcome the fear of limitation and shrinkage in order to protect ecosystems from further damage.
In 416 pages, the transformation researcher vividly outlines the unsustainability of our current practices and presents a variety of new approaches in the areas of energy, food, mobility, urban development, finance and business. He also scrutinises macroeconomic concepts such as green growth, degrowth and post-capitalist models and evaluates them in terms of their plausibility, desirability and feasibility.
Holzinger emphasises the importance of an open discourse in pluralistic societies and ultimately argues for a modern needs-based economy that uses the strength of free markets, but at the same time respects the ecosystemic limits and places basic needs at the centre. Overall, ‚Wirtschaftswende‘ provides an inspiring and informative contribution for anyone interested in a sustainable and future-proof economy. Holzinger’s well-founded analysis and visionary proposals make this book an indispensable work for those who want to help shape a better world. oekom.de
In a nutshell:
Proposal to limit plastic production: Rwanda launches high-profile proposal. theguardian.com
Earth Overshoot Day: Germany has been living on credit since last Thursday. fair-economics.de
Hops and malt lost? How brewers are adapting to climate change. rnd.de
Hail destroys XXL solar park: Is climate change jeopardising the energy transition? agrarheute.com
Scotland: Government collapses over climate policy.wort.lu
Consequences for European elections? Conspiracy theorists take aim at climate change. euronews.com
New analysis shows: Electricity prices have not risen after nuclear power plant phase-out. fr.de
The Mekong dilemma: All countries along the Mekong want to benefit from Asia’s third-largest river. But the water does not respect national borders. spiegel.de
Building without concrete: Why natural building materials could become the air conditioning systems of the future. handelsblatt.com
Sustainable travelling: More than a third of all Germans annoyed by climate change talk. fair-economics.de
Dumping prices from China: Solarwatt stops production in Dresden. manager-magazin.de
Railways: 16.4 billion euros to be invested in the rail network in 2024. handelsblatt.com
Andreas Knie: How the Deutschlandticket can become a climate ticket. riffreporter.de
Survey: Scepticism towards green transport policy. msn.com
Nasa: Small engine, big impact for sustainable aircraft.ingenieur.de
EU: Lufthansa and Air France accused of false climate promises. deutschlandfunk.de
Shipping companies: Gearing up for climate-friendly shipping. faz.net
Mobility: Two thirds of Germans see transport network as a brake on growth. motorzeitung.de
Association calls for „green“ hydrogen ramp-up: The BEE is campaigning for a hydrogen economy that serves the system without fossil fuels. This requires clear criteria, it says in a new paper. zfk.de
First auction of the European Hydrogen Bank: Seven projects receive 720 million euros. germany.representation.ec.eu
Quantity of molecules: What infrastructure will the hydrogen economy need by 2050? sonnenseite.com
Helmholtz Centre: How Germany is to become a leader in hydrogen technology. vdi-nachrichten.de
Concerns: In an open letter to the Federal Chancellor and Transport Minister, industry wants to boost hydrogen mobility. cleanenergypartnership.de
The seventeen goals magazine tells inspiring stories about how people move the world and shows how everyone can make a contribution to achieving the sustainability goals.
PODCAST OF THE WEEK:
One year of the Deutschlandticket: a revolution in public transport?
Last Wednesday, the Deutschlandticket turned one year old. 11.2 million people on average used it every month. A success story – right?
The last debates took place last November: How would the Deutschlandticket 2024 be financed? And can the nationwide season ticket for public transport be guaranteed in the long term? At that time, the transport ministers of the federal states agreed with Federal Transport Minister Wissing on a solution until 2025, but nobody knows what will happen after that. And there is still no consensus as to whether the ticket was really the „revolution in public transport“ that Wissing’s Ministry of Transport had announced. Vivien Timmler takes stock in the podcast on the first anniversary of the 49-euro ticket. sueddeutsche.de
COMMENT OF THE WEEK:
Flying is now more expensive
An overdue step
from Sara Schumann
The commentator criticises the fact that the German government spends over 65 billion euros a year on subsidies that are harmful to the climate and the environment, almost half of which goes to transport. She emphasises that there is an urgent need to change these practices, especially in light of the escalating climate crisis. Examples of these subsidies include low-taxed fuels and reduced VAT on animal-based foods. The author argues that these subsidies encourage climate-damaging behaviour and calls for measures to promote sustainable behaviour instead. She also welcomes the increase in ticket tax for flights but points out that this is only a first step and that further measures are needed to curb the climate crisis.
the whole commentary is available here: t-online.de
LAST WEEK IN THE BUNDESTAG:
Act to implement the EU Renewable Energy Directive: The German government has presented a draft law that implements the EU directive to increase the share of renewable energies by 2030. The law relates in particular to offshore wind energy, electricity grids and hydrogen plants. It aims to speed up authorisation procedures for renewable energy projects by establishing so-called acceleration and infrastructure areas. This is intended to help achieve the target of at least 42.5 per cent renewable energy by 2030. The German government emphasises that these measures serve to align with the 1.5-degree climate protection pathway in accordance with the Paris Agreement. In addition, the requirements of the EU directive on industrial emissions and infrastructure for alternative fuels will be implemented. The draft bill affects various existing laws such as the WindSeeG and the Energy Industry Act and also includes amendments to the Federal Requirements Plan Act. The Regulatory Control Council has no objections to the draft and considers the presentation of the regulatory consequences to be appropriate. Here is the draft bill
Projects on alternative methods for animal testing: Since 2019, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Office for Risk Assessment (BfR) have provided around 66 million euros in funding for the research and development of alternative methods to animal testing. This is according to an answer (20/11201) from the Federal Government to a minor question (20/11036) from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. According to the answer, the BMBF spent a total of 29.5 million euros on projects between 2019 and 2023, while the BfR spent 36.1 million euros in the same period. Funds totalling six million euros are planned for the 2024 budget. Information on the budget for 2025 is not yet available.
TAKEN LITERALLY:
In view of the fact that people’s livelihoods are at stake, this climate policy is a scandal. We do not have a second world at our disposal. Politicians have a duty to prevent harm to the people and to ensure the well-being of the population. The inappropriateness of climate policy can only be described as a scandal. Incidentally, this applies worldwide.
Prof Jens Beckert, Director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG)…Climate policy has slipped into the back seat, so to speak. A few years ago, for example in 2021 with the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court and the subsequent amendment of the Climate Act, there was still some hope that the urgency had been understood and that the problem was being taken seriously. However, developments in recent years have reinforced his impression that all seriousness on this issue has been lost. People are trying to postpone it politically as far as possible. The societies affected by global warming would suffer increased losses in the future. However, these losses are not evenly distributed but could cause inequalities both within societies and globally, especially because most climate damage is currently occurring in the Global South. Beckert expressed the assumption that increasing losses due to climate damage could trigger more social conflicts. He predicted that more resources would have to be spent on climate adaptation measures and repairing damage in the future. He pointed out that this additional expenditure could lead to restrictions in other important tasks. Some observers have already identified the first signs of social conflict in this context. fr.de
AFRICA:
Relations between the US and Africa have been at the centre of various developments over the past week. According to General Michael Langley of US Africom, despite political unrest and junta governments in West Africa, there continues to be close co-operation between the US and some West African states bbc.com. However, the US charm offensive in Africa is being hampered by various challenges. For example, the people in Niger are increasingly insisting on the withdrawal of US troops – and there are also problems in many other countries. Not least because of broken promises from Washington derstandard.de. A two-day visit by the head of US Africom also recently took place in Benin, which indicates the continuing interest of the USA in the region. rfi.afrique
The diamond industry in Botswana is currently doing well despite global uncertainties. voanews.com
In Burkina Faso, there have recently been tensions in connection with the blocking of access to various news sources as well as accusations of human rights violations, which the government has dismissed as unfounded tagesschau.de,
In Côte d’Ivoire, speculation is rife about the possible return of Guillaume Soro as the country uses carbon credits to finance its reforestation. Le Monde Afrique (reforestation), Le Monde Afrique (Soro)
Kenya has seen both positive and negative developments, including the appointment of the first woman as head of the air force and successful military operations against Al-Shabaab. At the same time, however, serious flooding was recorded, resulting in many deaths. The floods in East Africa affect slum dwellers and holidaymakers and are linked to climate change. bbc.com, theeastafrican.co.ke (Al Shabaab), tagesschau.de( Überflutungen). sueddeutsche.de
The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing political unrest, including a change of power in a mining region and tensions between the government and the church theeastafrican.co.ke, taz.de (Church)
If you want to buy an aircraft from Airbus or Boeing, you can’t hope that it will be delivered on time. There are also often time problems with maintenance work and spare parts. This is an opportunity for companies and countries that hardly anyone has had on their radar so far. Morocco therefore wants to become an aviation hub. dw.com
MORE KNOWLEDGE:
How the hole in the Weddell Sea ice is formed: Researchers have discovered how the huge hole in the Antarctic Weddell Sea ice, known as the Maud Rise polynya, is formed. The polynya, an open water area in the middle of the sea ice, can be up to several tens of thousands of square kilometres in size and was first discovered in the 1970s. While previous explanations could not fully explain the formation of this phenomenon, new research has revealed a crucial role of Ekman transport – the velocity distribution between the atmosphere and the ocean. This mechanism contributes to the polynya becoming larger than would otherwise be the case. Factors such as the Weddell Gyre and the Maud Ridge also play a role. However, such a large polynya does not form every year, as certain meteorological and oceanographic conditions are required for this. spektrum.de
How nature is reclaiming old ski slopes: the days of skiing and snowboarding from October to April or even May in parts of Europe could soon be a thing of the past, according to the unanimous opinion of researchers. A study by the University of Bayreuth suggests that the number of snowy days on the Alpine slopes will decrease by an average of 42 per cent by 2071. This development was already foreseeable decades ago for the lower-lying mountains in the Allgäu. Around 30 years ago, the Immenstadt administration made a ground-breaking decision that is still being honoured today: It returned the Gschwender Horn ski area to nature after years of utilisation. This step remains unique to this day and shows how nature can reclaim former ski slopes and still be used by people. nationalgeographic.de
What are the causes of the heavy rainfall in Dubai? Unusually heavy rainfall in Dubai has led to discussions about the causes. While the theory of cloud seeding quickly made the rounds, experts reject this theory. Edward Gryspeerdt and other experts explain that cloud seeding can only increase precipitation in clouds that are already ready to rain, but cannot create rain out of nothing. Scientists such as Giles Harrison and John Marsham, on the other hand, attribute the heavy rainfall to climate change, as a warmer atmosphere leads to more intense rainfall. fr.de
CALENDAR:
GLF Moorlands 2024: The climate solution we forgot about
When: 6 June 2024
Where: Bonn, Germany, and online
Further information: Website
Peatlands make up only 3-4 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, but they store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. At this hybrid event, taking place alongside the Bonn Climate Conference, you will learn why this important ecosystem is under threat – and what we can do to protect it.
Tickets are free for all those attending online. Secure yours now!GLF Africa 2024
When: 17 September 2024
Where: Nairobi, Kenya, and online
Further information: Website coming soon!
Can Africa usher in a global green renaissance? The continent has vast natural resources that support its food systems, livelihoods and growing young population – but the climate crisis could undo these benefits. This mixed conference will explore how Africa can overcome these challenges by harnessing the potential of its diverse landscapes and peoplesFirst International Conference on Small Island Developing States
When: 27-30 May 2024
Where: Venue to be confirmed, Antigua and Barbuda
Further information: Website
Small island developing states expressed disappointment with the agreement reached at COP28. In May, the group will reconvene to review its progress on sustainable development and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to the climate crisis, rising debt and the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Bonn Climate Conference – June 2024
When: 3-13 June 2024
Where: Bonn, Germany
Further information: Website
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will hold the 60th session of its subsidiary bodies at its headquarters in Bonn, Germany. Stay tuned for more details.III World Biodiversity Forum
When: 16-21 June 2024
Where: Davos, Switzerland
Further information: Website
Under the theme „From Science to Action“, the third World Biodiversity Forum will bring together researchers, practitioners and civil society to explore how to move from science to action and solutions to conserve biodiversity and put us on the path to a transformation towards sustainability.VII European Congress for Conservation Biology (ECCB 2024)
When: 17-21 June 2024
Where: Bologna, Italy
Further information: Website The 7th ECCB, organised
by the European Section of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), will focus on the key theme „Biodiversity Positive by 2030“ and formulate a call to action for the conservation of our planet’s biodiversity.ICLEI World Congress 2024
When: 18-21 June 2024
Where: São Paulo, Brazil
Further information: Website; Press release; Registration form
In June, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability will organise its triennial World Congress. It will be hosted by the city of São Paulo. The event will showcase how local and regional governments from our network are driving sustainable urban development worldwide.IUFRO World Congress
When: 23-29 June 2024
Where: Stockholm, Sweden
Further information: Website
The IUFRO World Congress is one of the largest global forestry events, held every five years since 1893, bringing together leading scientists and top leaders to jointly shape a sustainable future for forestry, climate and society. Under the motto „Forests and Society Towards 2050“, the 2024 event will address the challenges that population growth, climate change, globalisation and a growing world economy pose for forests and their management.
The GLF and CIFOR-ICRAF will participate in this event. Stay tuned for more details.International Peat Congress
When: 4-9 August 2024
Where: Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
Further information: Website
The 17th International Peatland
Congress, organised by the International Peatland Society, provides a platform for scientists, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to share knowledge, best practices and new ideas on peatland conservation and advocates for the responsible use of peat and peatland resources. The proposed theme for this year is „Peatlands in a changing world“.Summit of the future
When: 22-24 September 2024
Where: UN Headquarters, New York, NY, United States
More information: Website
The Future Summit is a high-level event that brings together world leaders to build a new international consensus on how we can create a better present and secure the future.
The Summit has two main objectives: to accelerate efforts to fulfil our existing international commitments and to take concrete steps to address new challenges and opportunities. This will be achieved through an action-orientated outcome document, the Compact for the Future, which will be negotiated and endorsed by countries in the run-up to and during the Summit.Climate Week NYC 2024
When: 22-28 September 2024
Where: New York, NY, United States, and online
More information: Website
During the same week as the Future Summit, the annual Climate Week NYC will host over 500 in-person, hybrid and online events and activities across New York City.2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference
When: 21 October-1 November 2024
Where: Cali, Colombia
Further information: Press release
Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) and the meetings of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol.
At COP16, governments will be tasked with reviewing the status of implementation of the Kunming and Montreal Global Biodiversity Frameworks, which were adopted at COP15 in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022.2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29)
When: 11-22 November 2024
Where: Baku, Azerbaijan
Further information: Press release from COP28
At last year’s COP28 conference in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), countries agreed for the first time to move away from fossil fuels and to finance the fund for loss and damage.
In November, heads of state and government and delegates from all over the world will meet again in Azerbaijan for the biggest climate event of the year to set
a new global target for climate financing.Session of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP16)
When: 2-13 December
Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Further information: Website
Not to be confused with the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP16 will bring together world leaders to take action on drylands under
the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Since the last UNCCD Conference of the Parties in May 2022 in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), this will be the world’s largest summit on land issues.
THE LAST:
German launch vehicle with paraffin as fuel takes off for the first time
Well, here it is, the SR75, taking off with a propulsion system that is perhaps more reminiscent of cosy evenings by candlelight than space adventures: paraffin, the wax from our candles, serves as fuel for this German rocket. A step forward for space travel, a smile for those who imagine how a rocket is fuelled by something they normally have in their living room lamp. So the SR75 has completed its first flight, but we are not told how high it flew. Perhaps it simply didn’t want to go too high, as its flight altitude was limited to 60 kilometres for regulatory reasons. But that’s a small step towards infinity, isn’t it?
But wait a minute, paraffin? Really? The company assures us that it’s safe and could even light a candle while the rocket takes off – well, almost, anyway. But seriously, they claim that this unusual fuel will make access to space much cheaper, thanks to its simplicity and lower insurance costs. Who would have thought that the key to space adventure could lie in a block of wax? It seems the SR75 is not only expanding our horizons, but also challenging our sense of humour.
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All images, unless otherwise stated: pixabay.com
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